Idris Elba Will Play the Villain in ‘Star Trek 3’

Idris Elba is no stranger to sci-fi blockbusters, considering his role in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Guillermo del Toro’s epic Pacific Rim. But Elba is heading back to sci-fi sooner than we might have expected, as the Luther actor is signing up for a role in Star Trek 3.

Elba is reportedly in talks to play the villain in Star Trek 3 opposite Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldanam, Anton Yelchin and Simon Pegg, who is co-writing the script for director Justin Lin. No plot details have been verified, although I’d love to see Klingons get in on this. As a huge Deep Space Nine fan, I pretty much loved the more militant depiction of the Klingons, and the focus on their battle-driven culture. It made for several fascinating storylines about identity and manhood that manage to carry a certain poignancy and relevance today. I’d love to see that sort of story explored on the big screen. Of course, Elba is talented enough to tackle any role Lin gives him, so I’m pretty hyped about this casting, regardless of the specific part (although, in keeping with the alternate continuity nature of this film series, I’d also love if he were an alternate universe Benjamin Sisko. But, again, total Deep Space Nine nut here).

Production starts in June for the movie, and not a moment too soon, as Star Trek 3 is scheduled to hit theaters on July 8, 2016. But what role do you think Elba will play? A new character or someone from Star Trek lore? Sound off in the comments!